Longline

The EU surface longline fleet has been concentrating efforts on the implementation of national and regional strategies for the conservation of their target species including measures such as minimizing incidental catches, collaborating with the scientific community, and finning bans.

In 2014, an MSC pre-assessment was conducted for all swordfish and blue shark stocks, and in 2016, the fishery was close to meeting the MSC standard for north and south Atlantic swordfish. Focus on improvements for all the fleet operations moved towards promoting the creation of a FIP for all swordfish (Xiphias gladius ) and blue shark (Prionace glauca ) stocks for the North and South Atlantic Ocean, the Western and Central Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

The industry community created the ANECTEAM association to work together with the EU surface longline fleet. ANECTEAM is focused on getting visibility and recognition from the consumers, raising public and environmental NGO opinions about efforts to boost sustainability, encouraging distribution chains to purchase the fishery's products, and increasing recognition at the international level of a sustainable industry and fleet that is allowed to trade in fins and shark meat. This FIP represents 4 shipowners' associations (90 % catches EU fleet), 12 supply chain companies (80 % UE), and 124 fishing vessels (95% of EU fishing vessels in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans).FIP BLUES - FIP BLUES

Due to their migratory nature and extensive distribution throughout several oceans, the management of swordfish and blue shark is carried out internationally by RFMOs (ICCAT, IOTC, IATTC, and WCPFC) through a system of catch totals (TAC).

In 2014 an MSC pre-assessment was conducted for all swordfish and blue shark stocks (5 stocks in different ocean´s). In 2016, the fishery was close to meeting the MSC standard for north and south Atlantic swordfish. Previously conducted, the scoring was updated in 2019.

The FIP Blues has been originally designed to be implemented in three oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian. The present FIP will start by implementing the actions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean.

The fishery being assessed is Star Trading Indian Ocean longline tuna fishery. The fishery targets albacore (Thunnus alalunga) tuna, bigeye (T. obesus) and yellowfin (T. albacares) tunas.

There are 16 longline vessels flagged to Malaysia and fish exclusively in the Indian Ocean and the EEZs of Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madacasgar. The fishery is managed regionally by the Indian Ocean Tuna Committee (IOTC) in the Indian Ocean.

The fishery being assessed is Atlantic Ocean tuna and swordfish longline fishery, which is managed by the company Ying Sheng Hsiang, Taiwan. The fishery targets Atlantic Ocean albacore (Thunnus alalunga) tuna, bigeye (T. obesus), yellowfin (T. albacares) tunas, and swordfish (Xiphias gladius). There are 9 pelagic longline vessels flagged to China and Namibia and fish exclusively on the high seas in the Atlantic. The fishery is managed regionally by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) in the Atlantic Ocean.

Southern Hake (Merluccius australis) is a demersal species that inhabits the southern-austral distribution in Chile (from latitude 47° 28´6” to latitude 57°). This species has been classified as overexploited and subject to overfishing since 2013. The annual global quota is divided into 60% for artisanal fishing (using longlines) and 40% for industrial fishing (trawl and longline). Access to new fishing agents is restricted, and there is a reproductive closure in August, along with restrictions on fishing gear.

In practice, due to quota transfer mechanisms, artisanal fishing is responsible for approximately 25% of the total catch.

The management of this fishery falls under the purview of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SUBPESCA). They collaborate with the Scientific and Technical Committee for Demersal Resources in the Southern Austral Zone. Together, they define the fishery status, establish biological reference points, recommend the range for setting the global quota, design management measures, and create management plans.

Since 2014, the Southern Hake Management Committee has operated. Its primary role is to serve as an advisory and consulting body for fisheries authorities. Additionally, the committee develops the corresponding fishery management plan. It includes representatives from the artisanal, industrial, and processing sectors, as well as government officials.

In 2023, approximately 17,800 tons of Southern Hake were landed. Among these, the Artisanal Fishermen Federation of Hualaihue captured around 1,900 tons, representing about 9% of the total landings and 33% of effective artisanal landings (excluding quota transfers from artisanal to industrial sectors).

The catches are made using midwater longlines in inland waters. Fishing trips typically last up to 2 days and occur on vessels with a maximum length of 12 meters.

The harvested fish are primarily destined for direct human consumption products in export markets. On average, around 10,000 tons of finished product are exported annually, valued at approximately $50 million. Spain is the main destination, accounting for 90% of exports, with roughly 30% in fresh chilled volume and the remaining 70% in frozen form.